Actor Kim Soo-ro has emerged as one of the entertainment industry’s most academically driven figures after beginning formal studies at 40 and teaching for the past 11 years.
On the 8th, appearing on MBC's Radio Star, Kim recalled that, while at the peak of his career, he transferred into Dongguk University's Department of Theater at age 40 to satisfy a long-standing hunger for his craft.
He said studying for two years was extremely rewarding. After dedicating himself to academics, he went on to graduate school and earned a scholarship for his strong grades. He also shared a warm anecdote: since he was earning well at the time, he gave up the scholarship so it could help classmates in greater financial need.
That passion for learning soon led him into teaching. After graduating, his alma mater, Dongguk University, invited him to lecture, and he spent 11 years mentoring younger actors and students.
Kim said that after he graduated, Dongguk University asked him to teach. He plans to move to another school next year to continue his lectures.
He spent long stretches on the lectern showing genuine care for his students. "I bought coffee for my students for 11 years," he said, joking that with nearly 50 students at times the coffee bill really added up. He quipped that now students don't even bring coffee to his class, drawing laughter from the studio.
His unexpected ties to K-pop idols also caught attention. When co-host Kim Gura asked about his university classmates, Kim surprised everyone by saying that Yoona, Sunye, and singer Joo were among them.
While he maintains close friendships with Seoul Institute of the Arts peers like Kim Hyung-mook, Kim Min-gyo, and Lim Hyung-joon, he wryly said he'd rather be known as an idol classmate at heart — a line that showcased his quick wit. From transferring into university at 40 to becoming an 11-year lecturer, Kim Soo-ro’s relentless drive has offered viewers a fresh dose of inspiration.
